Looking Back

10 Years Ago

Dec. 24, 2009

The Medical Lake School Board voted to place a 20-year. $15.6 million bond measure before voters in February that would replace the elementary school and fund additions to the middle school. It was the third ballot measure in five years.

Cheney High School was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s best. It was the second time in three years the school was ranked by the magazine.

20 Years Ago

Dec. 23, 1999

Cheney city officials established Y2K Central at the fire station as part of a state and national network meant to help minimize any problems that may arise from the so-called Y2K Bug.

As part of an animal control ordinance, the Medical Lake Planning Commission recommend that cats be licensed, and restrictions be placed on the number of household pets allowed in the city.

The Cheney School District was mired in a lawsuit by the family of two brothers who contend the students had been harassed for three years, despite anti-harassment education efforts by school officials.

30 Years Ago

Dec. 28, 1989

Cheney students scored higher than state and national averages, according to the Metropolitan Achievement Test results.

Finger pointing ensued after Cheney officials were left wondering how city’s year-over-year property values fell by $1 million. The county blamed the state Department of Revenue, who denied it was their fault.

Third graders from both Cheney and Medical Lake pledged to study harder, help out more at home, and get along with siblings, among other New Year resolutions.

40 Years Ago

Dec. 27, 1979

The Cheney School District chose not to accept any new bids to furnish the districts petroleum because of a lack of a guarantee of pricing and the inclusion of escalation clauses in the bids.

Cheney School board heard from concerned students about drinking at dances. The drinking of a few was putting those dances at risk for the rest of the student body.

Groundbreaking took place on a new $300,000 Medical Lake Professional building at 115 W. Lake Street.

50 Years Ago

Dec. 25, 1969

A new Cheney transmission line, substation and feeder lines were energized, doubling the capacity of facilities to server the electrical requirements of the city.

The new owners of the Wagon Wheel, Gordon and Charlotte “Chucky” Lott, held an open house that was attended by over 200 people. The Lott’s purchased the tavern from Vera and the late Ted Moore.